Five Chattooga County educators have been recognized as their schools’ 2027 Teachers of the Year and will now move forward for consideration for the districtwide honor.

Chattooga County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Helie announced the school-level winners during a recent Board of Education meeting.

The honorees are:

• Laura Windham — Chattooga High School
• Briana Carmon — Summerville Middle School
• Joshua Petty — Leroy Massey Elementary School
• Emily Kendall — Lyerly Elementary School
• Derek Bullard — Menlo Elementary School

Each honoree is scheduled to receive a gift certificate, a pin and a certificate recognizing the achievement. Superintendent Helie also said each teacher will receive a letter noting that a bonus will be included in their September paycheck.

The five school winners will now advance to the next level of consideration. Their information will be reviewed to select the Chattooga County Schools systemwide Teacher of the Year, who will then move forward for consideration for Georgia Teacher of the Year.

The recognition honors educators for their classroom work, leadership and contributions to students and their individual schools.